Trustees must act within the framework of the law. There are several types of law affecting occupational pension schemes, in particular:

• the general law of trusts; and
• specific UK law applying to pension schemes, including Acts of Parliament and regulations (supported by the codes of practice issued by The Pensions Regulator).

Should the successful candidate be appointed by the board of pension Trustees to the role of the Trustee Chair, they will be expected to:

• Be a credible and trusted Chair for the RNIB Retirement Benefits Scheme (the “Scheme”) 
• Ensure the Scheme has effective engagement and relationships with stakeholders; be visible, lead as needed. 
• Stay abreast of strategic issues for RNIB, the charity sector and developments in pension provision.
• Lead the Trustees in progressing clear strategic Trustee aims for members.
• Lead the Trustees in ensuring the Scheme remains compliant, with high standards of reporting to stakeholders.
• Lead the Trustees in ensuring that the Scheme is efficient and well run.

Network with peers among other well-run Schemes, staying abreast of good Trustee practice.

• Ensure the Trustees and Committees have the skills and capacity needed, with key man risks managed.
• Role model a strong working knowledge of Scheme Trustee duties, governance, powers and delegations.
• Build good working relationships with the Trustees, the Scheme Secretary, the RNIB Reward Manager, the RNIB Director of Finance and Trustee advisers.
• Ensure the Scheme Business Plan addresses agreed Trustee objectives, with a clear workplan and deliverables.
• Chair meetings in a skilled and open way to enable effective and consensual decision making.
• Encourage proportionate Trustee/ Committee challenge and oversight, focusing work at the right level. 
• Work with the Scheme Secretary to ensure agendas, meeting papers and minuting are fit for purpose.
• Working with the Scheme Secretary, ensure conflicts of interest are managed effectively.
• Support the Scheme Secretary in cementing effective ways to commission, work with and review Trustee advisers.
• Lead a positive culture and strong governance 
• Work openly to retain a culture of trust, high standards and mutual respect.
• Support effective use of Trustee skills, embed the importance of training, and Trustee development. 
• Provide feedback and be a sounding board for Trustees and the Scheme Secretary.
• Regularly review Trustee effectiveness and encourage the Trustees to learn from the outcomes.
• Lead Trustee diversity and succession plans, work with the Scheme Secretary on engagement for this.
• Embed regular review of Trustee governance to ensure it remains fit for purpose, to meet future needs.

• Fulfil the legal duties of the trustee role.
• Take responsibility for risk management across RNIB pension funds, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and mitigated as far as possible.
• Be familiar with scheme documents including the trust deed and rules, the statement of investment principles and the statement of funding principles.
• Satisfy themselves that the scheme’s internal controls and administration arrangements are effective and relevant and aligned with the regulator’s Codes of Practice and other relevant legislation.
• Provide financial stewardship and responsibility for the management of all RNIB pension funds. 
• Always act with integrity, having regard to the fiduciary duties of trustees, the duty of care to all members and the requirement to declare and manage any conflict of interest.
• Complete all the learning required by the trustee knowledge and understanding regime including the requirement to be able to apply it to the scheme in question.
• Provide effective oversight and participate in all board (and sub-committee) discussions, be prepared to question information or advice received as appropriate and positively agree or challenge all decisions reached by the board (or sub-committee).

Essential criteria

Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Experience as a Trustee or industry professional in a Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pensions trustee setting.
• Knowledge of the charity sector related strategic issues for schemes, employers.
• Knowledge and understanding relating to occupational Pensions and associated Trust Deeds and Rules.
• Knowledge of principles relating to the funding of occupational pension schemes, as well as investment of assets of such schemes.
• Confident and effective communication and influencing skills, with a willingness to provide constructive challenge to peers and the Executive. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team that makes collective strategic decisions.
• Ability to think strategically and analyse complex information and concepts. 

Desirable criteria

• Experience of operating as a board member within another charitable, public sector or commercial organisation, or a strong and demonstrable ability to do so.
• Knowledge of the statutory duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.